Florida Keys Real Estate News

There are many options when buying a waterfront home in Islamorada, Florida Keys.  Whether you are looking to buy a home on Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe or Lower Matecumbe - you will need to understand the control depth coming into the entrance of the canal and the draft of your vessel.  There are many canals that could be 15' deep but if the entrance is only 3' deep, the 15' depth is irrelevant.  The control depth mentioned should reflect the water depth at low tide.  

This video is of the canal between Cortez Dr. and Columbus Dr. located at Mile Marker 76.5 on Lower Matecumbe Key on the ocean side.  We are navigating into the channel which you can see is clearly marked with channel markers.  On our way in, we spotted a few eagle rays!  It is important to stay in the channel markers for this canal- outside the markers you will encounter rock / coral.  This particular canal has about 3' control depth at low tide.  I mention 'low tide" because the various moon phases will cause extreme lows and extreme highs, which will happen twice a month.  

If you are considering buying a home in Islamorada and you need a deeper control depth, there are other options.  On Lower Matecumbe Key - Port Antigua, Safety Harbor and Tollgate Shores offer a 6'+ control depth at the canal entrance.  The taller vessels have the ability to go through Channel 5' bridge which has a 65' clearance.  The ICW runs along the bayside as well offering deeper water for boats to navigate.  On Plantation Key - Venetian Shores - offers 6'+ control depth, Kahiki Harbor, Sunshine Estates offers 5'+ control depth. Snake Creek Bridge is a draw bridge for the taller vessels to navigate from bay side to ocean side.  

I have been boating around these waters for almost 20 years.  I had my captains license up until recently.  I understand the waters and can help you find the perfect home that will fit your needs.  Call me to help navigate you through the real estate process.